Which of the Following Would Be Most Likely to Lead

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would be most likely to lead to a decrease in a firm's dividend payout ratio?

A) Its earnings become more stable.
B) Its access to the capital markets increases.
C) Its research and development efforts pay off,and it now has more high-return investment opportunities.
D) Its accounts receivable decrease due to a change in its credit policy.
E) Its stock price has increased over the last year by a greater percentage than the increase in the broad stock market averages.